LuK GmbH & Co. KG · Germany
Company History
1974
Founding of LuK do Brazil (Fig.) and LuK Mexico.
As the worlds first clutch manufacturer LuK supplies diaphragm spring clutches for tractors.
1976
The founding of LuK AS (Autoteile-Service GmbH) marks the start of customer orientated service and marketing activities.
LuK optimises vibration damping with torsion-damped clutch discs.
1984
AS introduces the LuK Meister Service concept (dedicated clutch replacement workshops ). There are now 1,650 LMS workshops in Europe.
1987
Acquisition of Repco S. A. (now LuK Africa (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa).
Acquisition of Laycock in England (now LuK (UK) Ltd. in Great Britain).
1991
Joint venture between LuK and Barmag (to become BarLuK).
Acquisition of Automotive Hydraulic Division Vickers (now LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik) (Fig.).
The first electronic clutch management system is supplied for the BMW Alpina.
1993
Acquisition of 100 percent of BarLuK (now LuK Automobiltechnik in Hückeswagen).
Introduction of the AUTOMEISTER franchise system. This system covers every aspect of a modern automotive workshop operation (Fig.).
1994
LuK works together with a vehicle manufacturer to develop construction elements for a CVT transmission up to 300 Nm .
1995
Founding of LuK Korea.
AS develops the PARTSLIFE concept (used parts disposal system for the automotive industry).
1996
Foundation of Beijing (LuK) Liaison Office in China.
Joint venture between Rane and LuK (Rane LuK Clutch Ltd.) in India.
Foundation of LuK Savaria in Hungary (start of production, end of 1997)(Fig.).
LuK SAC (Self Adjusting Clutch) reduces pedal forces and increases the service life of transmission clutches.
1997
LuK EKM, the world's most compact automatic clutch system, goes into production in the Mercedes A-Class series.
All LuK factories are certified according to ISO 9001 and/or QS 9000 (Fig.).
The first LuK converter for lightweight HGVs goes into production at the LuK factory in Wooster in Ohio, USA.
1998
Acquisition of Kongsberg TechMatic in England and Norway.
Foundation of AS Divisions in Spain, the UK, USA, Brazil, Mexico (Fig.), South Africa, Poland, Russia and the Czech Republic.
Foundation of LuK AS in Argentina.
LuK Leamington opened in the UK.
New build of the LuK Fundicao casting works in Mogi Mirim, Brazil (Fig.).
LuK presents CVT components for high torques: LuK chain, disc sets and hydraulics. The start of production of the new Audi multitronic® marks the first CVT transmission for more than 300 Nm.
AUTOMEISTER comes first in two studies of full-service concepts for workshops in Germany .
Valeo sells its share of the INA Holding Schaeffler KG to LuK .
The LuK automated transmission goes into production in the Opel Corsa as the easytronic® - a world engineering premier.
2001
Every 4th car leaving an automotive factory is fitted with a LuK clutch.
Product recycling has been carried out for 25 years at LuK. LuK sees the protection of the environment and resources as a commercial imperitive.
For LuK, cooperation with the customer for means seeking to get closer to the customer. Customer quality awards confirm the good work of the LuK employees. LuK is named Supplier of the year" for the 9th time by GM (Fig.).
LuK sells LuK Norge.
LuK acquires the remaining share of Rane LuK, Hosur, India. Rane LuK becomes LuK India Private Ltd. (Fig.).
The LuK Colloquium 2002 shows LuK's vision for the future of the automobile. More than 800 guests from home and abroad meet at Baden-Baden.
2003
The new sales and development building at the headquarters in Bühl is opened amidst festivities.
The installation of the integrated crankshaft damper in the VW Touareg is further proof of LuK's drive train expertise.
